Ryan '04 Sworn in as Ulster County Executive

Jun 18, 2019

Patrick Ryan was sworn in as Ulster County executive on Friday, June 7, marking the first transition of power since the office was established a decade ago. State comptroller Thomas DiNapoli administered the oath of office to the 37-year-old former Army officer in a standing-room-only ceremony at the Ulster County courthouse on Wall Street in Kingston. The ceremony took place five weeks after Ryan, a Democrat, defeated Ulster County Conservative Party chairman Jack Hayes in a special election to fill the remainder of the term of former county executive Mike Hein. Hein resigned in February to take a post as New York State Commissioner of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Ryan served two tours in Iraq leading an infantry battalion intelligence section. At Friday’s ceremony, Hochul praised Ryan as one of a generation of youths inspired to military service by the 9/11 terror attacks who would go on to bring qualities tried and tested on distant battlefields to bear in public service back home. “That’s where values and leadership skills are steeled,” Hochul said. “And you’re bringing that back.” DiNapoli called Ryan “a visionary” and praised his decision to step away from his career in the tech sector to devote himself to public service. “He will create a vision for this county that is inclusive,” said DiNapoli. “That will make this a better community, a more equitable community.” Read more.